Master of Science (MSN) Admission Requirements

The MSN is a fully online graduate degree for nurses looked to advance their nursing career by selecting from two tracks: nursing education or population health. 

  • An earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Active, unencumbered RN license
  • Cover letter
  • Statement of Purpose (less 500 words)
  • CV or Professional Resume
  • Meet Iowa State University Graduate Admissions criteria 

  • Cohorts begin every fall semester (August)
  • Applications open a year prior to your start date. 
  • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • Early application is encouraged.

  • Follow the Graduate College application steps carefully 
  • Have all required documents ready and converted to a PDF before starting your application, including:
    • Transcripts documenting an earned Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
    • Evidence of active unencumbered RN license number and state
    • Statement of purpose
    • CV or professional resume
  • Letters of reference are not required for this program

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